Vehicle mounted choker cable stroage means

ABSTRACT

Time and labor saving dispensing means by way of which short cables, designated as chokers, can be systematically, protectively and readily stored for selectively withdrawable use. Almost any logging job requires the use of a multiplicity of choker-cables ranging from eight to ten feet in length and which, as is known, are used to wrap around logs so that the wrapped logs can be dragged to a decking or loading area. To cope with this storage problem means is mounted accessibly atop an available roof of a canopy embodied, for example, in a logging bulldozer. For the result desired a plurality of tubes are mounted atop a canopy roof, each tube having self-contained facilities in which the withdrawable chokers are orderly stored in a manner to reduce intertwining to an acceptable minimum.

United States Patent 1191 Stevens et al.

[ VEHICLE MOUNTED CHOKER CABLE STORAGE MEANS [76] Inventors: Ray C. Stevens; Joe E. Stevens, both of PO. Box 173, Kootenai, Idaho 83840 [22] Filed: Aug. 27, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 175,616

[52] US. Cl. 214/450, 24/123 D, 206/59 B,

211/13, 242/107 R, 296/1 R [51] Int. Cl. B60! 9/04 [58] Field of Search 296/1 R; 144/3 D,

144/2 Y, 34 B, 34 R, 309 AC; 43/54.5 A, 57.5 R, 57.5 A; 224/421 R, 42.1 D, 42.1 E, 42.1 F; 242/107, 107.2; 206/59 A, 59 13; 211/13;

[ Aug. 14, 1973 1,824,007 9 1931 Brinnerm 211/13 x 2,554,176 5/1956 Edwards 224/421 G 2,746,628 5/1956 Neyra 224/421 F X [5 7 ABSTRACT Time and labor saving dispensing means by way of which short cables, designated as chokers, can be systematically, protectively and readily stored for selectively withdrawable use. Almost any logging job requires the use of a multiplicity of choker-cables ranging from eight to ten feet in length and which, as is known, are used to wrap around logs so that the wrapped logs can be dragged to a decking or loading area. To cope with this storage problem means is mounted accessibly atop an available roof of a canopy embodied, for example, in a logging bulldozer. For the result desired a-plurality of tubes are mounted atop a canopy roof, each tube having self-contained facilities in which the withdrawable chokers are orderly stored in a manner to reduce intertwining to an acceptable minimum.

5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 14, 1973 3,752,342

Ray 6. Stevens Joe E. Stevens INVENTORS VEHICLE MOUNTED CHOKER CABLE STORAGE MEANS The present invention relates to means for enclosing and protectively and systematically storing and dispensing of cable-type chokers such as are currently being used in logging areas where the storage, care and handling of chokers presents a difficult-to-solve problem.

Any sizable logging job requires the ultilization of numerous cable-type chokers. Keeping in mind that these chokers are used to wrap around groups or bundles of logs and that such chokers are often haphazardly handled by the loggers valuable time and labor is utilized in retrieving and storing such chokers for expeditious use. A significant aspect of the proposed solution to the problem is to systematize and protectively enclose ready-for-use chokers. To the ends desired, it has been found expedient and practical to provide storage facilities on and in association with a logging bulldozer.

In carrying out the principles of the present invention, a plurality of horizontally elongated tubes are mounted in convenient side-by-side relationship atop the roof of the canopy of the bulldozer. Each tube has an anchor slidable therein. The anchor facilitates connection of end portions of the cables or chokers therewith and by storing the same within the confines of the tube the rearward accessible ends can be withdrawn to facilitate log wrapping use.

A survey of the prior art to which the invention relates will show that it is not uncommon to store a plurality of ropes or the like in enclosure means and to withdraw the same selectively for systematic examination and other ready-to-use purposes. If desired and for background information, reference can be made to the Ralph L. Drew U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,038,781 and 2,091,177. Although not deemed to be pertinent these reference patents could well be taken into account in evaluating the herein disclosed cable storage and dispensing means.

Briefly the storing and protecting facilities herein under consideration have to do with horizontally mounted tubes. Each tube constitutes a sheath or hous ing in which the plurality of cable-type chokers are systematically and orderly arranged. Any number of tubes can, of course, be employed. Basically each tube provides an enclosure or housing and the forward and of the tube is provided with a spring wound drum which is connected to a slidable anchor. The anchor is shiftable in the tube and is such in construction that the inward ends of the chokers are detachably connected thereto. The tubes are of requisite length to accommodate the chokers which are being cared for. The rearward ends are down-bent to provide discharge elbows and the accessible ends of the chokers are rendered readily available and are capable of being withdrawn and detached and thus readied for log wrapping use.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation. as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing a fragmentary portion of the canopy at the rearward end of a logging bulldozer and showing, what is more significant, several of the aforementioned enclosing and storing tubes, the

chokers being fully withdrawn in certain of the tubes and partly exposed in the centermost tube.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view with parts in section and elevation taken approximately on the plane of the section line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detail section also fragrnentarily presented and taken approximately on the plane of the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one of the aforementioned anchors and an attachable and detachable cable-type choker associated therewith in full and phantom lines.

And FIG. 5 is a view showing several of the logs in phantom lines and showing how one of the cable-type chokers is coiled or wrapped around the logs to prepare the same for dragging to the decking or loading area (not shown).

The concept has to do with a combination aspect on the one hand as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the subcombination aspect as exemplified in particular in the other views.

The tractor or other bulldozer type logging vehicle is denoted at 8 in FIG. 1. The elevated canopy, which is a part of the bulldozer is designated, generally stated, at 10. Insofar as the invention is concerned the canopy can be of any suitable construction. For purposes of this invention only the roof 12 and downturned rearward endportion 14 is shown, this being associated with the uprights or supporting frame members 16.

It has already been pointed out that it is within the purview of the invention to use any number of storing and protecting devices. Experience has shown that each device is preferably in the form of an elongated horizontally fixed tube, that is a tube 18 which is fixed atop the roof. Several such tubes are shown in FIG. 1. Each tube being the same in construction a description of one will suffice for all.

It will be observed that the inward or forward end of each tube is closed and that the opposite or rearward end is open for ready use. The tube itself is of requisite length and dimensional cross-section and is provided at the aforementioned forward end with a drum 20 mounted on a shaft 22 in an appropriately proportioned housing 24. This drum has an extending shaft end 26 projecting into an auxiliary housing 28 provided with appropriate spring means 30. This spring wound drum is provided with a winding rope or the like as at 32 which has an end portion 34 connected with a retractable or slidably mounted anchor 36. An end portion of this rope or cable extends through the hub'of the anchor as at 38 where it is held in place by an assembling and retaining nut 40 (FIG. 4). This anchor is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced keeper slots 42 which serve to accommodate the separable and connectible end portions of the cable-type chokers. Each choker is denoted by the numeral 44 and has a knotted or headed end 46 which is retentively fitted in a keeper slot provided therefor in the manner suggested in FIG. 4. The rearward or free end portion 48 (FIG. 1) is provided with a cleat 50 having a bifurcated end portion providing retaining fingers or detents 52 for the headed end of the cable.

One of these wrap-around chokers is shown in FIG. 5 from which it will be evident that it performs in its usual capacity and assists in the step of dragging the logs to the decking or loading area (not shown).

As has already been emphasized, the essence of the invention has to do with the storage facilities for the plurality of orderly and systematically arranged cabletype chokers. The views of the drawing bring out that the headed ends of a plurality of side-by-side chokers are connected to the spring retracted anchor 36. An extra pull cable is also provided as at 54 and this has a hand loop or grip 56 provided at the rear free end thereof and which projects beyond the downturned discharge end portion 58 of the tube. This grip is constantly accessible and when one desires to extract or withdraw a choker it is only necessary to catch hold of the grip 56 and to pull it down and out in the: manner suggested in FIG. 1. This renders the cleat-equipped ends of the chokers accessible so that one or more chokers can be fully withdrawn, detached and put in use in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5.

It is reiterated that any logging job of any appreciable size requires the use of countless cable-type chokers of varying sizes. Then, too, this poses the problem of what to do with the loose or not-in-use chokers which gave rise to the incentive to provide the tubing-type storing protectors herein shown and described. With this invention the chokers are easily accessible, are systematically held in stored and protected confines and intertwining and exasperating snarling is virtually eliminated. it follows that the invention well serves the purposes for which it has been devised and successfully used.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. For use atop an elevated readily accessible and relatively stationary support, for example the roof of a bulldozer canopy, means for enclosing and protectively storing a multiplicity of selectively withdrawable log wrapping cable-type chokers, said means comprising an elongated tube, said tube being closed at a forward end and provided with and enclosing a spring-loaded winding drum, a flexible element wound on said drum, an anchor slidable in said tube, an end of said flexible element being connected to said anchor, a pullout cable operatively connected to said anchor and having an end portion exposed through a cooperating end portion of said tube, and a plurality of chokers confined systematically and orderly within the limits of said tube and connected to said anchoring means.

2. The structure defined in and according to claim 1 and wherein said anchor is provided with circumferentially spaced keeper slots opening outwardly through the peripheral surface of the anchor, said slots serving to accommodate detachable end portions of the aforementioned chokers.

3. The structure defined in and according to claim 1 and wherein said chokers each has a headed end portion detachably seatable in a slot provided therefor, the opposite end of said choker having a cleat, said cleat being provided with detents for said headed end portion 4. In combination, a logging tractor embodying an elevated horizontal roof, a multiplicity of selectively withdrawable log wrapping cable-type chokers, and means mounted accessibly atop said roof for systematically and protectively grouping, storing and dispensing said chokers, said means embodying at least one fixedly mounted horizontally elongated tube in which said chokers are normally retracted and protectively enclosed, said tube having an elevated readily accessible open rearward end by way of which said chokers can be selectively withdrawn and detached for expedient handling and use, a spring-loaded normally retracted anchor slidingly confined and housed in said tube, the forward ends of said chokers being headed and individually and detachably connected with said anchor.

5. The combination defined in claim 4 and an individual pullout cable operatively connected at a forward end to said anchor and having a rearward end portion exposed through and accessible by way of a cooperating open rearward end of said tube. 

1. For use atop an elevated readily accessible and relatively stationary support, for example the roof of a bulldozer canopy, means for enclosing and protectively storing a multiplicity of selectively withdrawable log wrapping cable-type chokers, said means comprising an elongated tube, said tube being closed at a forward end and provided with and enclosing a spring-loaded winding drum, a flexible element wound on said drum, an anchor slidable in said tube, an end of said flexible element being connected to said anchor, a pullout cable operatively connected to said anchor and having an end portion exposed through a cooperating end portion of said tube, and a plurality of chokers confined systematically and orderly within the limits of said tube and connected to said anchoring means.
 2. The structure defined in and according to claim 1 and wherein said anchor is provided with circumferentially spaced keeper slots opening outwardly through the peripheral surface of the anchor, said slots serving to accommodate detachable end portions of the aforementioned chokers.
 3. The structure defined in and according to claim 1 and wherein said chokers each has a headed end portion detachably seatable in a slot provided therefor, the opposite end of said choker having a cleat, said cleat being provided with detents for said headed end portion
 4. In combination, a logging tractor embodying an elevated horizontal roof, a multiplicity of selectively withdrawable log wrapping cable-type chokers, and means mounted accessibly atop said roof for systematically and protectively grouping, storing and dispensing saiD chokers, said means embodying at least one fixedly mounted horizontally elongated tube in which said chokers are normally retracted and protectively enclosed, said tube having an elevated readily accessible open rearward end by way of which said chokers can be selectively withdrawn and detached for expedient handling and use, a spring-loaded normally retracted anchor slidingly confined and housed in said tube, the forward ends of said chokers being headed and individually and detachably connected with said anchor.
 5. The combination defined in claim 4 and an individual pullout cable operatively connected at a forward end to said anchor and having a rearward end portion exposed through and accessible by way of a cooperating open rearward end of said tube. 